23rd Week Of Pregnancy

The 23rd week of pregnancy is the period during which the pregnancy lasted from 22 weeks and from 0 days to 22 weeks and 6 days. The fetus is now 20 weeks old and about 27 centimeters long and weighs 450 grams. At this stage of pregnancy, the mother already knows the baby’s movements in her stomach and can stimulate them through music and other stimuli.

It is important for the expectant mother to take care of herself throughout the pregnancy, but around the 23rd week of pregnancy it is even more important to be careful with anyone who requires physical exertion, as such activities directly affect fetal lung development.

23rd week of pregnancy in terms of fetus

The body takes on its final shape

At this stage of pregnancy, the fetus is still very small, but it has already taken on its final shape. From now on, the biggest changes take place inside the fetal body as the viscera strengthen. At 23 weeks of gestation, fetal hair and eyebrows acquire a color determined by DNA.

Pink color

At this stage of pregnancy, the baby is pink in color, no matter what color his eyes and skin are after birth. The body is covered with fine and downy hair and the skin is very wrinkled due to the fact that it is still very thin and the veins are easily noticeable. The child’s final skin color develops during the first year of life.

Developing lungs

During the 23rd week of pregnancy, the baby’s lungs are developing, although it still takes months before they are fully developed. Therefore, the mother should avoid excessive physical exertion during this stage of pregnancy. Exercise and other physical activities can be done in a reasonable and calm manner, in addition to which it is important to ensure adequate rest.

Movements and sense of hearing

The fetus stretches and yawns regularly and already moves its eyes. Its constantly strengthening arms and legs make the mother clearly distinguish between firings and swings. In addition to the muscles, the fetal organs and ears are already much more developed than before. It reacts to the surrounding sounds and gradually begins to recognize and remember certain sounds.

23rd week of pregnancy for the mother

Sensitive gums

The susceptibility to gingivitis, ie gingivitis during pregnancy, increases especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The discomfort is due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, and especially poor oral hygiene combined with high estrogen levels can cause a severe inflammatory reaction in the gums.

Swelling of the hands and feet

Most pregnant women suffer from some degree of swelling, especially in their legs and arms. Swelling is caused by the excess accumulation of fluid in the body caused by pregnancy. You can try to prevent swelling by drinking plenty of water, favoring low-salt foods, exercising calmly, and keeping your legs elevated.

Continuous growth of the uterus

During the 23rd week of pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow and, when the veins are pressed, can impair blood flow to the lower extremities. An even larger uterus also presses on the bladder, which is reflected in an increased need to urinate. The mother may also notice a gestational scar in her body as the skin tries to keep pace with the growing uterus.

Difficulty sleeping

The expectant mother goes through many physical, mental, and emotional changes that can also affect nighttime sleep, and it is common for pregnancy to become more difficult at this stage of pregnancy. However, it would be important for the expectant mother to get enough rest, and one can try to attract sleep through various natural means. Chamomile tea, for example, has a relaxing effect on many. The use of sleeping pills during pregnancy should be avoided until the last.

Experts recommend sleeping on the left side during pregnancy as it helps blood and nutrients to flow more easily into the uterus and thus the fetus. This position also facilitates the kidneys ’ability to remove waste and fluids.

Recommendations for the 23rd week of pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body enhances the absorption of nutrients, but the intake of the necessary vitamins and trace elements should be ensured by eating a variety of foods and consuming nutrient supplements as needed. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains and dairy products is recommended, in addition to which it is important to ensure adequate water intake.

In addition to a varied diet, a daily supplement of 0.4 milligrams of folic acid is recommended for all women planning to become pregnant and pregnant, and adequate intake of vitamin B12 must also be ensured for folic acid utilization. Adequate intake of iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C, D and E should also be ensured.